Following the conduct of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections in October 2023, 511 barangays in Tarlac successfully completed the Barangay Newly Elected Officials (BNEO) Towards Grassroots Renewal and Empowerment for Accountable and Transparent (GREAT) Basic Orientation Course, held from February 10 to 15, 2024 across the Province.
The BNEO GREAT Program is a term-based capacity development initiative by the Local Government Academy designed to empower barangay officials to fulfill their mandated tasks effectively. Recognizing the significant role of barangays in delivering basic services and acting as the crucial link between the national government and the people, BNEO GREAT is structured to provide continuous capacity building over a period of three years or more, aligning with the elected officials' terms of office.
The course covered essential topics such as the Basics of RA 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991 for Barangays, the Barangay Development Plan and Capacity Development Agenda, Participation in Governance through Barangay-Based Institutions and Volunteerism, DILG’s programs, projects, and activities for the barangays, Public Ethics and Accountability, and the Barangay Agenda for Governance and Development (B-AGAD).
Participants included Punong Barangays, Sangguniang Kabataan Chairpersons, Sangguniang Barangay Members, Barangay Treasurers, and Barangay Secretaries. Through interactive sessions, workshops, and presentations, they gained valuable insights into governance principles, ethical standards, and the strategic frameworks necessary for effective leadership in the grassroots.
Present to grace the orientation courses were Governor Susan A. Yap, 1st District Congressman Jaime D. Cojuangco, 2nd District Congressman Christian A. Yap, 3rd District Congressman Noel N. Rivera, the barangays’ respective Municipal Mayors, and other local officials.
In her inspirational message, Governor Yap emphasized on the changing times, stating that “iba na ngayon ang hamon ng public service at governance,” that is why as partners, the barangays should continue to ramp up their leadership skills and unite in pursuing what is good for the communities that they serve, which is proven by the Province’s various outstanding awards such as the Seal of Good Local Governance where Tarlac garnered the highest number of awardees in Central Luzon.
As the series of orientation courses concluded, the most participative barangay will be receiving a three-wheeler vehicle or “Toktok” courtesy of the Provincial Government of Tarlac which they can use in their prompt delivery of basic services. Now as the Barangay and SK officials return to their respective areas of responsibilities, DILG Tarlac is hopeful that they carry with them the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development and foster inclusive governance, and that they remain steadfast in the commitment to building 511 Tarlac Barangays that are more transparent, accountable, and empowered.
